Describe how the nominee develops and facilitates authentic learning opportunities for learners. (250 word limit)
Nancy’s goal for her classroom is to have students experience authentic use of the Spanish language. In 1999 Nancy was named Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. She proved she was a great teacher, but when classroom technology became available in the next decade, she became an outstanding teacher. She creates learning opportunities for students by developing units and projects connected to the classroom content and infusing technology. Nancy started with a single Apple IIgs, moved to eMates, Danas and laptops. She used her own iPad in the classroom for a year before she received six from a district iPad pilot. Using Pixie students illustrated the water cycle, parts of the plant and the solar system. Now she uses apps that enable students to interact and manipulate language and provide simulations. This is an example of a tellagami by third graders and aShowme presentation by a second grader. She created a restaurant in her classroom by using a table, chairs, playing Spanish music and projecting a scene from Spain on the whiteboard. One of Nancy's gifts is her ability to choose the right technology for the learning goal. She isn't sidetracked by the bells and whistles that technology provides. When designing lessons, her focus is always on the curricular standard and content. Her use of technology engages students and deepens their learning. When her students participated in Hour of Code last month, she used the vocabulary in Spanish. We are kicking ourselves that we didn’t videotape that for you!
Nancy’s goal for her classroom is to have students experience authentic use of the Spanish language. In 1999 Nancy was named Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. She proved she was a great teacher, but when classroom technology became available in the next decade, she became an outstanding teacher. She creates learning opportunities for students by developing units and projects connected to the classroom content and infusing technology. Nancy started with a single Apple IIgs, moved to eMates, Danas and laptops. She used her own iPad in the classroom for a year before she received six from a district iPad pilot. Using Pixie students illustrated the water cycle, parts of the plant and the solar system. Now she uses apps that enable students to interact and manipulate language and provide simulations. This is an example of a tellagami by third graders and a Showme presentation by a second grader. She created a restaurant in her classroom by using a table, chairs, playing Spanish music and projecting a scene from Spain on the whiteboard. One of Nancy's gifts is her ability to choose the right technology for the learning goal. She isn't sidetracked by the bells and whistles that technology provides. When designing lessons, her focus is always on the curricular standard and content. Her use of technology engages students and deepens their learning. When her students participated in Hour of Code last month, she used the vocabulary in Spanish. We are kicking ourselves that we didn’t videotape that for you!